Confronting Change Exhibit at the Carolina Theatre

"The Confronting Change" exhibit, chronicling the 85-year history of the Carolina Theatre complex, the fascinating history of Durham’s beloved theater is told through historic photos, reproductions of original blueprints, playbills and advertisements, and informational panels that recount the construction, life, and later restorations of the building.

The Carolina Theatre was the first theater in Durham to admit African Americans, though they were initially segregated and used a separate staircase to reach the balcony, which was the only seating available to them.

"Confronting Change" tells how taking no for an answer was not an option for the heroes that lined Durham streets in protest in the 1960s. The permanent exhibit depicts the history of segregation at the theater and provides a glimpse into the efforts to integrate the city-owned theater between 1961 and 1963.